SHORTCOMINGS OF THE SERVICE.

49

It was here that I first became acquainted with the shortcomings of the service.

Colonel Cloëte, the Quartermaster - general, had no more idea as to the ammunition I had brought from Port Elizabeth than what he had to do with it. He knew, certainly, what requisitions he had received, but he knew no more than I did what reserves, not actually wanted, existed in those places. The waggons that brought the ammunition, and had given me such anxiety on the road, were left, during my ten days' stay in Graham's Town, in the open streets; not a sentry or guard of any sort the Hottentot drivers, with pipes in their mouths, seeming the presiding guardians over British military stores.

The commissariat was in the hands of the tradesmen of the town: a Mr Js (banker and merchant) seemed to have the whole charge of the provisioning of the army. He was exceedingly kind and courteous, a perfect gentleman in all his doings, but yet not the right person in the right place, I thought. Of the military stragglers in the town, they were the usual rag-tag and bobtail lot always to be found

D

compassing the rear of an army actively engaged in the field.

After waiting twelve days, I at last received orders to proceed to Fort Beaufort. The men being in fair condition by this time, I determined to cover the distance (about forty miles) in two days. This was easily accomplished; and rather to the surprise of the Commander-inchief, I presented myself at headquarters.

CHAPTER VI.

MY REPORT TO GENERAL COMMANDING ON STATE OF THE ROADOFFEND THE STAFF, BUT RECEIVE PRESENT OF CHARGER FROM GENERAL-SURPRISED AT CLOSE PROXIMITY OF KAFFIRS-OFFER TO TAKE NEARER VIEW-AM SNUBBED IN CONSEQUENCE-ASSIGNED POST OF ADVANCED-GUARD IN GENERAL ATTACK UNDER GENERAL NAPIER-ASCENT OF THE WATER-KLOOF-ORDERED TO DISLODGE KAFFIRS FROM HORSE-SHOE LINE OF BUSH-IN ACTION-HESITATION-SUCCESS-SECOND ATTACK UNDER ARTILLERY-FIRE-THE MINIE RIFLE AGAIN-KAFFIR DEVOTION-THEIR NATURE, AND HOW TO FIGHT THEM-AM THANKED IN GENERAL ORDERS.

I GAVE a report in writing of my doings on the road, and my estimation of the resources and failings as a military road, that it professed. Amongst other things, I stated the fact of seeing a strong detachment of the 12th Regiment uselessly guarding a fort of no possible influence in the actual state of the war. This brought the staff down upon me; but I was thanked by the General, who, as a token of welcome, presented me with a fine chestnut charger.

The next day I was perfectly astounded at the close proximity of the Kaffirs. There they were in shoals, perfectly unmolested, on the slopes of the Water - kloof, and within twelve miles of thousands of British troops. I had seen on many occasions the daring indifference of the Kabyles of the Atlas Mountains, but that was displayed on chance occasions; but here a badly-armed, undisciplined throng of naked savages braved with impunity, day after day, week after week, the energies of the British empire. I was utterly staggered for a moment by such a display, but was not long in volunteering to make a closer acquaintance with these sable heroes and their strongholds. I, however, received a good snubbing for my pains. At last a grand expedition was planned, under General Napier, to attack this said Water-kloof, and my corps was assigned the post of advanced-guard. The first day we reached Blinkwater Post, where I made the acquaintance of the commander, W -d; he appeared to me one of the right sort, although rather uselessly employed. This is one of the great faults of our service, to place a brilliant, dashing officer to guard an exposed,

ATTACK ON THE HORSE-SHOE.

53

permanent position, when a good, stolid, ordinary being would have done quite as well, if not better. The art of war is like the game of chess, and I would not give much for the guiding hand that does not know the value and place of each figure on the board.

The next day, after a somewhat tiring ascent, we crowned the heights of the Water - kloof, without firing a shot or seeing many Kaffirs. I was then ordered to attack the Horse-shoe-a half-circular line of bush that fringed the precipitous heights. This was a difficult task, from the formation of the ground and the disheartening reminiscences, it was murmured, which were attached to the spot. Here it was that Colonel Fordyce had been lately killed, and the 74th fearfully handled. The Honourable R. C—, the staff officer who ordered the movement, pointed in a somewhat vague manner to the centre of the half-moon as the place on which I was to begin the attack. This undefined indication left me a considerable margin; so I managed, in the mile of ground I had to cover before coming within range of the Kaffir guns, to oblique so much to the right, that I came very near that